US3186314A - Cartoning machine - Google Patents

Description

June 1, 1965 M. R. FRAZIER CARTONING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet Filed May 16, 1965 INVENTOR MAR/0N Hmz/ER Eygww/ @my ATTORNEY;

June 1, 1965 M. R. FRAZIER CARTONING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 16, 19615 INVENTOR MAR/0N R FRAZ/ER WQJ l ATTORNEY;

June l, 1965 M. R. FRAZIER 3,186,314

CARTONING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 nu w INVENTOR MAR/0N FRA Z/E/e ATTORNEY) June l, 1965 Filed May 16, 1963 M. R. FRAZIER CARTONING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INV ENTOR MAR/wv f?. @AZ/5R WHW/MMM l ATTORNEY j June 1, 1965v M. R. FRAZIER 3,186,314

CARTONING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1963 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 u, N MAR/0N R /CkAz/.ER

June 1, 1965 M. R. FRAZIER 3,185,314

CARTONING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1963 7 sheets-sheet e las IIlIHi-i l sq INVENT OR ATroRNEy QW/MQ@ June 1, 1965 M` R. FRAz'lER 3,186,314

cARToNING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR MAR/0N FRAZ/ER Nwk @w United States Patent O 3,186,314 CABTNENG MACHINE Marton R. Frazier, Morningside Circle, Little Fails, NJ. Filed May 15, 1963, Ser. No. 230,952 7 cranes. (ci. ca -5s) example of this type of packaging is that of placing a` quantity of small candies in a small carton. Such cartons, being small, are difiicult to feed from the magazine to t-he cartoning machine, and diiiiculty has been encountered in holding the cartons in position while they are conveyed through the cartoning machine.

It is thus a primary object of my invention to provide a cartoning machine which will eiiiciently act in the packaging of a plurality of small articles in a relatively small carton. It is, of course, to be understood that my cartoning machine includes features of adjustability whereby cartons of various sizes may be handled, and the same is not limited merely to the packaging of materials in small cartons.

Present day packaging procedures likewise require that the packaging equipment be eiiciently arranged so that it; takes up a minimum of iioor space. Packaging machines that the which have been previously provided r carton magazine and the line which carri; .the-,iilled cartons from the cartoning machine be dispI dat various angles with respect to the cartOning'inaChin ,This provides -a rather cumbersome facility, with various parts of the packaging equipment at diiferent angles, in all directions, preventing an efficient use-,tof the available floor space. It is thus a further object' of my invention to provide cai-toning equipment having an aligned operation, in which the carton feed magazine and the carton removal apparatus may be disposed in line with the equipment which handles the filling and closure of the cartons.

A further object is ,the provision of a cartoning machine having improved carton holding and conveying means,

which enables adaptation thereof to cartons of various size, the conveying means and carton holders having an adjustability featurewhereby they may be positioned to support the carton adjacent the extreme ends thereof, giving added strength to the carton during the filling and closing operations.

A further object is the provision of improved carton feeding means for removal of the cartons from the carton magazine and the positioning of the same upon the carton conveyinU means which carries them through the filling and sealing cycle.

A further object is the provision of improved means for the closure of cartons.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a portion of this specification, and in which drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of my improved cartoning machine.

vwherein sim Patented June l, 1955 ICC FIG. 2 is a top plan view of my improved cartoning machine.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially on the line 4 4 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 5 is an end elevation of the carton magazine.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional View of the carton magazine, taken substantially on the line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top plan view of my improved cartoning machine, parts thereof .being broken away to disclose preferred details.

FiG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 3 8 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic View of the drive mechanism of my improved cartoning machine.

FIG. l10 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line lil-10 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 1l is a plan View of the carton feed means of my improved cartoning machine, parts thereof being broken away to disclose preferred details.

FIG. l2 is a bottom view of the cam which operates the carton feed means.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the closure means which operates on one end of the carton, showing cartons in various phases of closure.

FIG. 14 is a plan View taken substantially on the line 1li- 14 of FIG. 13.

FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 are vertical sectional views taken substantially on the respective lines 15-15, lr6-d6, 17-17, 18-18, and 19-19 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 20-20 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 21I is a plan view taken in the direction of the line 2.1-21 `of FIG.20.

L In l,thedrawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown Vaeiprteferred embodiment of the invention, and

-ilar reference" characters designate corresponding parts throughouttheseveral views, the letter A may generally designate thefraihe of my improved cartoning machine, which frame-A includes separable sections B land Cg'D a carton magazine; E carton conveying means having carton holding meansF; G carton feed means; H a first carton closure means; I carton lling means; K a second carton closure means; L a glue applying assembly; and M carton removal means.

Frame section B preferably includes a floor supported base section 25, and driven fra-me section C preferably includes a iioor supported base section 26. It is believed that a better understanding of the invention will be had by describing the various elements supported by the respective sections 25 and 26 at the same time as the elements associated therewith are described.

Frame A is divided into separable sections B and C in order to provide an adjustable feature whereby additional sections may be inserted therebetween when handling cartons of a relatively large size. For instance, in the handling of larger cartons, it will be necessary to utilize a larger carton holding means F, thus requiring a longer carton conveying means E, and the separable sections B and C will be moved apart, and another section inserted therebetween, providing an elongated frame for the support of the longer carton conveying means E.

Carton magazine D is provided for the accommodation of a large number of knockeddown flat cartons Z7. Carton magazine D preferably includes guide means 2S for directing the knockeddown cartons along a predetermined path, and follower means 29 which urges lthe knockeddown cartons through guide means 2S, to the discharge end 34) of the carton magazine, where they are transferred, one at a time, by the carton feed means G from the carton magazine D to the carton conveying means E.

Carton magazine D is preferably supported upon a channel shaped base 32 which is secured at one end thereof to base 26 of frame section C. Rods 33 are secured to base 32, which rods 33 support guide means 28 and follower means 29. Y

Guide means 28 preferably includes a floor plate 34, which floor plate 34 is supported on rods 33 by adjustable brackets 35; a pair of guide rails 37 adjacent one side of plate 34 and a pair of guide rails 33 adjacent the other Side of floor plate 34, which guide rails 37 and 3d are respectively supported on rods 33 by adjustable brackets 40.

Follower means 29 includes a longitudinally extending shaft 42 which is secured to rods 33 by clamps 43. Freely sliding along the length of shaft 42 is a cylinder44` having a flange plate 45 attached thereto. A follower 47 is rigidly attached to flange plate 45. Also attached to flange plate 45 and extending outwardly therefrom is an angle bracket 4S, the lowermost end of which supports a roller 50. Roller t? is vertically adjustable along angle bracket 43, roller Sil riding along top guide rail 3S, and maintaining the follower 47 in a vertical position.

A fastener, in the nature of a screw eye 52 is attached to one end or" sliding cylinder 44. A cable 53 is secured to screw eye 52, which cable passes over pulley 5d, and is secured at the other end thereof to drum 55, which forms a part of spring tension device 56. Pulley 54 is secured to shaft 42 by an adjustable bracket 57, and

. spring torsion device 56 is attached to base 32.

The function of follower means 29 is to feed a stack of knockeddown cartons 27 along guide means 28 to the discharge end 3i? of carton magazine D. A leaf spring 6) is secured to a rod 33, adjacent the discharge end 30, which leaf spring extends to abutment with the carton next adjacent discharge end 35i, holding the same in position for facile removal by the carton feed means F. Follower means 29, under the influence of spring tension device S6, urges the cartons through the carton magazine, tot-he discharge end 30 thereof.

As the supply of cartons in the carton magazine is depeleted, but before the same is exhausted, another supply of cartons may be placed in the intervening space between the rear side 62 of follower 47 and a backstop 63. `The cylinder 44 is then lrotated clockwise about shaft 42, as shown in FIG. 6, and pulled along shaft 42, to a point above backstop 63, where the follower may be inserted between lthe rearmost carton and backstop 63 by rotating cylinder 44 counterclockwise to assume the position shown by full lines in FIG. 6.

Secured beneath the magazine base 32 may be an electrical vibrator 64 which serves to assure that all of the cartons 27 assume a common level on the magazine floor 34.

Carton conveying means E preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart endless members 65 and drive means 66.

Drive means 66 preferably includes a drive shaft 67 which is rotatably supported on'base 26 by an upper bearing 68 mounted on top 69; and lower bearing 76 mounted on intermediate shelf 71. Drive shaft 67 is driven by a motor 72 through pulley 73, by means of `V-belt 7d,

through variable speed pulley 75, to speed reducer 7 6 byV V-belt 77. An output pulley 78 is connected to drive shaft pulley 79 by a V-belt 80. Secured to the top of drive shaft 67 Y are sprockets Sl, around which travel a pair of chains S2. Y

Chains 82 comprise endless members 65 which carry the cartons through the filling and closure operations.

Chains 82 preferably travel in a clockwise direction, over idler sprockets 83 which are mounted on idler shaft 84 which is supported upon base 25 of frame C by top bearing 85 and lower bearing S6. The chains S2 then pass over take-up sprockets 87, which take-up sprockets 87 are supported on a shaft 88 which is mounted on base i 25 and rotatably supported thereon by top bearing $9 and lower bearing 90.

Each sprocket Sli, S3 and S7 is vertically spaced apart from its adjacent sprocket 8l, 83 and 87, and each support a chain 82 in a spaced apart position from theother chain 82. The spaced apart position of the sprockets and the chains shown in the drawings is for support of a relatively small carton. It is obvious that if a longer carton is to be Supported, the sprockets and the chains may be spaced further apart, so that the carton holding means G may engage the supported carton adjacent each end thereof.

A pair of take-up assembly means 91 are provided for shaft 88 so that slack in chains 82 may be eliminated. Each take-up assembly means 91 preferably includes side walls 92 and end walls 93 secured respectively to bases 69 and 7l. A bearing holder 96 in each of the take-up means 9i. is confined by horizontal slots 97. Each bearing holder 96 is caused to move forward or backward within its confining slots 97 by a jack screw 9S turning in stationary captive nut 99 which is confined by bracket ltltl. Rigidly secured to each jack screw 93 is a sprocket lill. The sprockets 101, -one provided for each take-up means 91, are connect-ed by chain 102. lt will thus be seen that torque applied to one jack screw 93 transmits an equal amount of torque through the chain connected sprockets 191 to the second jack screw 9S. Thus, within the limits of its adjustment, shaft 8S is always maintained in a vertical position regardless of which bearing is adjusted. lack screws 98 are each rotatably secured in a cavity 103 in each bearing holder 96.

Chains 82 travel in a straight line segment between sprockets 81 and 83, through first carton closure means H; in a straight line between sprockets 83 and 7, through carton closure means K; and at an angle between sprockets 87 and 8l. The angular relationship of the chain as it Vtravels between sprockets S7 and Si is such that it is at an obtuse angle with respect tothe straight line segment extending between sprockets Si and S3, and at an acute angle with respect to that portion extending in a straight line between sprockets 83 and `87. The angled portion extending between sprockets 87 and 8l is disposed adjacent carton magazine D, so that cartons may be fed from the magazine carton D to the angled segment extending between sprockets 87 and Si. Carton removal means M is likewise disposed adjacent the angled segment of the chains S2 extending between sprockets 37 and 8l. This relationship enables the cartons to be supplied and removed from the conveying means E at the same end of the cartoning machine. The carton feed magazine and the carton removal apparatus may thus be dispose-d in line with the remainder of the equipment which handles the filling and closure of the cartons.

A plurality of carton holding means F are provided on each chain 82. The carton holding means F are spaced apart on each chain S2, in a predetermined position to receive cartons from the carton magazine and carry them through the lling and closing cycle. The carton holding means F of one chain 82 are aligned with the carton holding means F of the other chain S2, so that one carton holding means F on each chain 82 cooperatively receives each carton and holds it in position during the conveying operation. The cha-ins S2 are preferably spaced apart so that the carton holding means F of one chain S2 will grasp cartons adjacent one end thereof, and the carton holding means of the other chain 2 will grasp the cartons adjacent the other end thereof. Chains 82 and their respective carton holding means F will therefore be spaced apart from each otherV according to the length of the carton which is to be vertically received thereby.

A snap on type of carton holder is preferably utilized, so that carton holders may be attached thereto according to the width of the carton which is to be carried thereby.

Each carton'holding means F preferably includes a frame member i655 secured to chain 82, and a carton re-Y ceiving member 1116 having fingers 19S which grip the sides of the carton.

Carton feed meansv G preferably includes an elongated pick up arm 116 having a passageway 111 therethrough. A resilient suction cup 112 is mounted at one end of arm 11G, and the other end of arm 110 is received by a pivot member 113.

Suction cup 112 is preferably bell shaped, having a plurality of openings 115 at the end thereof of largest diameter, and is mounted upon a tubular conduit 116 which is mounted upon pick-up arm 110. Passageway 111 of pick-up arm 110 intercommunicates through conduit 116 with suction cup 112, so that a vacuum applied within passageway 111 causes a suction-like effect through openings 115 of suction cup 112.

Pivot member 113 is pivotally secured to a base plate 118 by pivot pin 119. Closely fitted to member 113 is a chambered member 120 having an elongated chamber 121 therein.

An elongated passageway 122 is provided in pivoted member 113, which elongated passageway 122 receives in one end thereof the end of pick-up arm 110 opposite suction cup 112, the other end of passageway 122 intercommunicating with chamber 121 of chambered member 12).

A passageway 125 leads through chambered member 12h from the chamber 121 thereof to exteriorly thereof, a pipe fitting 126 being secured to such passageway 125, and a hose 127 attached to the fitting 126.

Supporting t'ne base plate 118 is a bracket 130. Bracket 13G is provided with an elongated slot 131 providing for adjustability of the member 118 with respect to the bracket 130. Bracket 131) is mounted on stanchion 132 which is supported on top 29.

Reciprocal control of pick-up arm 110, through the carton feeding cycle, is affected by cam actuated linkage means 135.

Cam actuated linkage means 135 preferably includes a cross arm 137 pivotally supported at one end thereof on stanchion 133, arm 137 being actuated by a cam 139 which is rotatably mounted on cam shaft 140. Pivotally secured to the end of arm 137 opposite its pivotal interconnection to shaft 13S is an arm 142 which is attached rto shaft 143 through link 144.

Cam 139 is provided with a cam track 145 which receives a follower interconnected to cross arm 137, which follower moving in cam track 145 regulates the movement of cross arm 137.

Adjacent the uppermost end of shaft 143 is another'arm 146 which is connected to pick-up arm 110 by link 147 and bracket 14S.

Mounted on shaft 149 is a commercially available air valve 151i, whose stationary lower half 15)a is secured in a stationary position to top 69 by spring 151. Extending from the stationary lower half 1508 of air valve 150 are a pair of pipe nipples 152, one of which is connected to hose 127, while the other is connected to a vacuum pump 153 by hose 154.

In operation, pick-up arm 110 is moved through a counter-clockwise arc by cam actuated linkage means 135 until suction cup 112 contacts the endmost carton 27, located adjacent discharge end 30 of carton magazine D. An instant before contact, rotary air valve 150 permits the free flow of air from hose 127, through hose 154 to the vacuum pump 153. As air is drawn from the hose 127, additional air is drawn through openings 115 in suction cup 112, through passageway 111 of pick-up arm 110, through passageway 122 of member 113, to chamber 121 of chambered member 120, and into hose 127. As the suction cup 112 contacts the endmost carton 27, the ffow of air into openings 115 is restricted and the resulting vacuum causes the endrnost carton 27 to adhere firmly to suction cup 112.

means F, being held therein by fingers 168. The instant that carton 27 is firmly seated in the carton holding means F, the rotary air valve 159 interrupts the free flow of air from tube 127 to hose 153, stopping the vacuum and releasing carton 27 from the suction cup 112.

By action of cam actuated means 135, the cup arm is caused to dwell between upper and lower chains 82 until the carton 27 passes, the arm 110 then returning to pick up another canton 27. Inasmuch as the pick-up arm 110 is permitted to pass between chains 82, the same may be suiciently pivoted so that the carton held thereby will be securely seated within the carton holding means F. In the handling of small cartons, this enables the carton to be held by the suction cup 112 intermedially of the carton, rather than at one or the other end thereof, permitting each end of the carton to be securely positioned within a carton holding means F.

Guides 155 and 156, which are attached to the carton magazine D adjacent the discharge end 30 thereof, are positioned to cooperate with movement of the pick-up arm 110 in partially opening the carton 27 as it is being transferred from the carton magazine D to the carton holding means F.

After a carton 27 has been deposited in a carton holding means F, rotation of drive shaft 67 moves chains S2 in a clockwise direction, carrying the carton 27 to first carton closure means H. Carton closure means H is situated to close the bottom of the cartons which are transmitted through it.

In order to maintain chain alignment and rigidity during the course of the passage of the carton through carton closure means H, chain guide means 158 are provided. Chain guide means 158 preferably include a top plate 159 and a bottom plate 160 for each chain 82 held in a spaced apart relationship by spacers 161 and a rotary chain roller guide 162.

Carton closure means His supported upon stanchions 163 which are mounted on top 69, carton closure means H being supported on stanchions 163 by brackets 164.

Chain guide means 153 is likewise supported upon brack- :ets 154.

c lAs chains 32 carry the cartons 27 into the first carton closure means H, the cartons 27 are held by conveying means F, including fingers 158, and abut top limiting bar 166. Top limiting bar 166 is supported by arms 167 which are mounted on a bracket 168 which is clamped to the stanchions 163. Also secured to arm 167 is a guide rail 169 which is horizontally adjustable through movement of rod 17! which is secured in bracket 171. Bracket 171 is vertically adjustable on rod 172. A bottom limiting bar 173 is held in place by threaded rods 174 which are inserted through openings in bar 175 and secured. Bar 175 is secured to bracket 175 which is clamped to stanchion 177.

As the carton 27 travels under top limiting bar 165, the two side flaps and 181 thereof are pressed backward, as shown in FG. 13. As the carton proceeds further through bottom closure means H, lower side flap 132 is raised to a horizontal position by abutment with bottom limiting bar 173. As side flap 132 abuts bottom limiting bar 173, fiap closure means acts upon side flap 135 to raise it to a horizontal position.

Flap closure means preferably includes a bevel arm 1%, mounted on arm 191 which is secured to shaft 192.

Also mounted on shaft 192, by bracket 193 is a striker arm 194. Striker arm 194 is mounted adjacent bevel arm 19t). As shaft 192 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, bevel arm first abuts against side flap 136, raising it to a horizontal position, and then striker arm abuts against tongue 195 of lower fiap 195, raising it to a horizontal position. While the lower fiap 196 is held in this position, as the arm 194 passes, the carton 27 is carried along by the chains 82 until the tongue 195 is carried past the end of guide rail 197 and into the space between bottom limiting bar 173 and guide rail 197. Guide rail 197 holds tongue 195 in a horizontal position 7 and bottom limiting bar 173 holds side flaps-132 and 166 in a horizontal position.

A pair of supporting lingers 209, welded to guide rail 197, secure the guide rail 197 to the bottom limiting bar 17.3, with the aid of spacer 262 and screw 263.

Transition shoe means 265 is attached to plate 296 which is attached to bar 175 by standotfs 207. As the leading edge of carton 27 approaches the forward edge 21d of transition shoe means 205, the carton ap 196 is in a position as shown in FIG. 16. As the carton reaches transition shoe means 295, the outer edge 212 of ap 196 and the lower edge 213 of tongue 195 respectively contact surfaces 215 and 216 of transition shoe means S. The surface 215 of transition shoe means 2115 is vertical adjacent end 210, being angled as it progresses from the forward edge 211i thereof to throat 217 to nearly horizontal at 215. The surface 216 is horizontal adjacent end 210, being angled as it progresses from the forward edge 210 to throat 217 to nearly Vertical at 216. Thus, as the carton 27 moves along, the surfaces 212 and 213 of vlower flap 196 respectively contact surfaces 215 and 216,

moving progressively therealong, assuming positions as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Bottom limiting rail 173 serves the dual purpose of maintaining the side aps 1&2

and 136 in a horizontal position and also forms the lower 7 iiap 196 into a 90 degree angle with the tongue 195 thereof.

A flat spring 220 extends outwardly from one end of bottom limiting bar 17S, as shown in FG. 3, serving to maintain side aps 1522 and 186 in a horizontal positionuntil lower flap 196 is sufficiently closed to confine them.

A beveled plate 222 is secured to plate 223, near one end of which is a pair of standoffs 224. which serve to connect plate 225 to plate 223. A threaded stud 226 serves to support this assembly from bar 175.

In operation, as carton 27 passes transition shoe means 265, the lower ap 196 of the carton is at the same angle as the surface 215 of FIG. 20. This is somewhat short of horizontal, in order to leave room for flat spring 220. As the carton 27 passes beyond the end of spring 220, the lower hap 196 encounters the end 23d of beveled plate 222. The beveled surface 231 of beveled plate 222 angles upwardly until it is horizontal and parallel with the bottom surface 232, as shown at 234 in FIG. 19. At this point, the lower flap 196 is fully closed, as shown in FIG. 19.

As the carton 27 is fully closed by irst carton closure means H, chains 82 carry the cartons around sprocket 83, during which period of traverse the cartons are filled by hoppers 235 of filling means J. Filling means J rotates about shaft 84, coincident with the traverse of the cartons 27 thereabout. Such filling means I is conventional, and a detailed explanation thereof is not deemed necessary.

Second carton closure means K is identical to carton closure means H, with the exception that the parts thereof are inverted, for closing the top side flaps 1S@ and 181 and top Hap 235 of the carton. Carton closure means H and K are well known in the art, and the positioning of such closure means so that one acts to close the bottom of the carton Vand the other to close the top thereof is generally well known. The structure of closure means K has therefore not been shown in any detail. So far as the stiucture of closure means K is shown, reference characters identical to the corresponding parts of closure means H have been applied, with a prime character.

Glue applying assembly L is likewise well known in the art, as is the operation thereof, and the same will therefore not be described in detail. The operation of this glue applying assembly, when glued flaps rather than folded flaps are to be utilized, is such that the same Contacts and applies glue to the ilaps of the carton, sealing them in a closed position.

As the cartons 27 emerge from closure means K, chains 82 carry them around sprocket 87, where an arm 239, operatedby cam 246 ejects them from the fingers 1118 of carton holding means F. Arm 239 is mounted on bracket 241 which is secured to shaft 242.' Shaft 242 is supported on bracket 243 which is mounted on link 244i attached to cross arm 24S. Cross arm 245 is rotatably mounted, at the other end thereof from link 244 upon shaft 138, and actuated by Cam 24).

The more obscureparts of the drive mechanism are shown in FIG. 9. Such parts will now be described.

On the lower end of shaft 67 is a gear 250 which meshes with pinion 25:1 mounted on shaft 252. Concentric with pinion 251, on shaft 252, is a gear 254 which meshes `with gear 255 mounted on shaft 266, the gear 23S in turn, mates with gear 257 on shaft 261). At the top of sha-ft 266 is a pulley 261 which furnishes power to pulley 262 on cam shaft 149 through belt 263.

lntermedially placed on shaft 260 is a sprocket 271i which furnishes power to sprocket 271 on shaft 272 through chain 273. Concentric with sprocket 271 on shaft 272 is another sprocket 275 which transmits power to sprocket 276 on shaft 192 through chain 277,

At the top of shaft 256 is mounted a sprocket 280 which provides power to sprocket 281 on shaft 282 through chain 283. On the upper end of shaft 282 is sprocket 265 which drives sprocket 286 on shaft 192' through chain 288. At the lower end of shaft 192 is mounted flap closure means 135" of carton closure means K. Y

At the botto-m end of shaft 262 is a sprocket 294B which turns shaft 291 `in sprocket 292 through chain 293. At the top end lof shaft 291 is a beveled gear assembly 294 composed of horizontal -beveled gear 295 and mating vertical beveled gear 296 on the end of shaft 297 which is at a degree angle `to shaft 291. Shaft 297 operates `glue roller assembly L. Glue roller assembly L conventionally includes a glue roller 301) supported on shaft 301 which is supported by arms 302. On the end of shaft S61 is a gear 364 mating with gear 30S on stub shaft 306. Concen-trio with gear `305 on stub shaft 306 is a sprocket 308 which is turned by sprocket 309 on shaft 297 through chain 310.

Various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing `from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

' I claim:

1. A carton transfer device for car-toning machines including a pick-up arm and means for pivotally supporting said pick-up arm, said pick-up arm comprising a vacuumt device including an arm having a tubular passageway therethrough and a cup mounted adjacent one end thereof, and said means for pivotally supporting said pick-up arm includes la pivot plate having a passageway therethrough, a chambered member having a chamber therein, said chambered member being in a fixed position relative to pivotal movement of said pivot plate, means for reciprocating pivotal movement of said pick-up arm, and means for applying and releasing a vacuum within said chamber of said chambered member, said cup having Van opening in one end thereof leading to saidtubular passageway of said arm, said tubular passageway of said arm opening into said passageway of said pivot plate, and said passageway of saidV pivot plate opening into said chamber of said chambered member through the entire range of reciprocable pivotal movement of said pick-up arm.

2. 1n a cartoning machine, lthe combination of a carton magazine, carton feed means, carton conveying means, and carton closure means, said carton conveying means including endless conveying means andmeans for supporting, Vguiding and driving said endless conveying means along a predetermined path, said endless conveying means traversing a path including first `and second straight line segments and an angled segment extend-ing between said rst and second straight line segments, said angled segnient extending from said first straight line segment at an obtuse angle and extending from said second straight line niagara segment at an acute angle, said carton magazine and said carton feed means being disposed in juxtaposition with respect to said angled segment of said endless conveying means whereby to feed and position cartons on said carton convey-ing means at said angled segment, and said carton closure means being disposed in juxtaposition Vwith respect to said carton conveying means whereby to step-by-step close a carton at said first and sec-ond straight line segments.

3. A cartoning machine as specified in claim` 2 including carton removal means, and wherein said carton feed means is disposed in juxtaposition with respect to said angled segment whereby to feed and position cartons on said carton conveying means adjacent said first str-aight 'line segment thereof and said carton removal means is disposed in juxtaposition with respect to said angled segment whereby to remove cartons from said Iangled segment at a point adjacent said second straight line segment.

`4. The combination as specified in claim 2 wherein said means for guiding said endless conveying means includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and a third pulley, said second pulley being of a greater diameter than either Said first lor third pulley and said pulleys being juxtaposed with respect to each other to provide said first straight line segment of said endless conveying means extendant between said first .and second pulleys, said second straight line segment of said endless conveying means extendant between said second and third pulleys, and said angled segment of said endless conveying means extendant between said first and third pulleys.

5. The combination 4as specified in claim 4 wherein said third pulley is movably mounted with respect to said first and second pulleys in juxtaposition for taking up slack in said endless conveying means by extension of the path of said endless conveying means and is operably movable free 'from interference with the specified carton feed and carton closure relations-hip.

6. In a cartoning machine, the combination of carton conveying means including an endless conveyor having means for supporting cartons thereon; carton feed means `for removing flattened cartons from a stack thereof and coacting with said means for supporting cartons to effect opening of each carton transferred from such stack t o said carton convey-ing means; and adjustable mounting means for said carton feed means for mounting said carton feed .means in Various positions of coaction with said carton conveying means according to the size of the carton being transferred -fr-om such stack of c-artons to said carton conveying means, said adjustable mounting means comprising a shaft, a .bracket arm, pick-off means for gripping cartons and transfer of t-he same from a stack thereof to said carton conveying means, means for pivotally mounting said pick-0E means on said bracket arm, mounting means for support of said bracket arm on said shaft, said mounting means including means for varying the length of Said bracket arm from said mounting means to said pick-off means whereby to Vary the pivot point of said pick-off means with respect to the stack of cartons and said carton conveying means, and power operated means opera'bly connected with said pick-off means for reciprocating pivotal movement of said pick-o0? means.

7. The combination as specified in claim 6 wherein said pick-Off means includes .an elongated arm pivotaliy supported adjacent one end thereof on said .bracket arm and having carton gripping means supported thereon adjacent the opposite end thereof and said power operated means is operably interconnected to said elongated arm intermediate the pivotal support and gripping means thereof in juxtaposition to provide the reciprocating pivot stroke requisite yfor coaction of said carton feed means with said carton conveying means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,318,208 5/43 First et al. 53-186 X 2,844,930 7/58 Nelson 53-376 `2,935,918 5/60 Goss 93--53 2,994,253 8/61 Jones 93-53 3,032,947 5/62 Voller 53-376 X 13,060,354 10/ 62 Lubersky et al 53-186 X 3,074,326 1/ 63 Engleson et al. 93-53 3,142,232 7/64 Pierce et al. 93-53 FRANK E. BAILEY, Primary Examiner. BERNARD SIICKNEY, Examinar,

Claims (1)

1. 2. IN A CARTONING MACHINE, THE COMBINATION OF A CARTON MAGAZINE, CARTON FEED MEANS, CARTON CONVEYING MEANS, AND CARTON CLOSURE MEANS, SAID CARTON CONVEYING MEANS INCLUDING ENDLESS CONVEYING MEANS AND MEANS FOR SUPPORTING, GUIDING AND DRIVING SAID ENDLESS CONVEYING MEANS ALONG A PREDETERMINED PATH, SAID ENDLESS CONVEYING MEANS TRAVERSING A PATH INCLUDING FIRST AND SECOND STRAIGHT LINE SEGMENTS AND AN ANGLED SEGMENT EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND STRAIGHT LINE SEGMENTS, SAID ANGLED SEGMENT EXTENDING FROM SAID FIRST STRAIGHT LINE SEGMENT AT AN OBTUSE ANGLE AND EXTENDING FROM SAID SECOND STRAIGHT LINE SEGMENT AT AN ACUTE ANGLE, SAID CARTON MAGAZINE AND SAID CARTON FEED MEANS BEING DISPOSED IN JUXTAPOSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID ANGLED SEGMENT OF SAID ENDLESS CONVEYING MEANS WHEREBY TO FEED AND POSITION CARTONS ON SAID CARTON CONVEYING MEANS AT SAID ANGLED SEGMENT, AND SAID CARTON CLOSURE MEANS BEING DISPOSED IN JUXTAPOSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID CARTON CONVEYING MEANS WHEREBY TO STEP-BY-STEP CLOSE A CARTON AT SAID FIRST AND SECOND STRAIGHT LINE SEGMENTS.

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